Silver Bay YMCA Partnership to Expand Cancer Respite Program

Silver Bay, NY: The Silver Bay YMCA Conference and Family Retreat Center and Hudson Headwaters Health Network (Hudson Headwaters) have recently agreed to partner to increase the positive community impact each organization has on the Adirondack community.

According to Steve Tamm, Chief Executive Officer of Silver Bay YMCA, the organization is expanding its already successful Cancer Respite Program with their newest partner, Hudson Headwaters.

“Several years ago, Silver Bay launched a community outreach program specifically designed to support patients who are actively being treated for cancer,” stated Tamm. “By providing temporary respite to patients and their immediate families at no cost, this program gives these individuals the opportunity to reconnect with their loved ones and enjoy a reprieve from the stresses and financial challenges associated with a battle against cancer. A few wonderful days on the restorative shores of Lake George is one way we try to make a difference.”

Since 2015, over 100 individuals and families have utilized this program through an existing partnership with Glens Falls Hospital. The program itself is 100% funded by the generous donors to the Annual Fund for Silver Bay. “Looking to expand this impactful program, we approached Hudson Headwaters, as it is clear they are an organization also looking to improve the lives of North Country residents”, continued Tamm.

Hudson Headwaters’ Chief Executive Officer Dr. Tucker Slingerland added, “We are thrilled to make a connection with Silver Bay and for the opportunity to provide a respite experience in an incredible setting for our patients and their families. Most importantly, this a community supported and lead program that fills a special need and is very much appreciated.”

“We are confident that through this partnership with Hudson Headwaters, we can jointly increase the positive impact we have on local cancer patients. As this program is only possible through generous donations, please consider contacting

Silver Bay Development Director, Nick Rama at 518.543.8510 and make a donation today,” said Tamm.

For more information about the program and eligibility, contact Hudson Headwaters’ Palliative Care team at 518.798.1859 or Lori Ross, Silver Bay YMCA Development Assistant at 518.543.8511.

Silver Bay YMCA was founded in 1902 and is located in Silver Bay, NY, just minutes south of Hague, NY. Its 700-acre campus along one mile of Lake George shoreline offers a wide breadth of programs for all ages. Silver Bay YMCA presently employs 45 full-time staff members with a seasonal staff of 200. Silver Bay YMCA is consistently ranked one of the top ten family reunion sites in the country and is on the National Register of Historic Places with the U.S. Department of the Interior.

As a mission-based charity, Silver Bay YMCA offers outreach programs in addition to its core activities as a premier conference and family retreat center. Those activities include: Silver Bay YMCA Teen Center in Ticonderoga (Free access for local teens) Open Pathways (Access to Silver Bay YMCA for the underprivileged) Youth and Government Program (covering Queensbury to Ticonderoga) Cancer Respite Program (Free respite for local cancer patients) Military R and R Program (Free getaway for recently deployed veterans and their families) Brookside Trinity Ministry (Free respite and sabbatical getaways for clergy) Vacations Made Possible (Free getaways for local underprivileged families)

Silver Bay YMCA has also won many outstanding awards and has been featured in several local and national media, including: Best Resort (2015, 2017 & 2018) Adirondack Life Magazine Best on Lake George and Best Exceptional Amenities (2016) LakeGeorge.com Best Venue for Family Reunions (2014, 2015, 2016) Unique Venues Magazine New York Times (Travel Section – September 2014) Better Homes and Gardens (May 2014)

MISSION: The mission of Silver Bay YMCA is to foster a lifelong sense of belonging, strengthen relationships, and nurture spirit, mind, and body for all.

DESIRED IMPACT: Because of Silver Bay YMCA, personal and family bonds are stronger. People are more connected, respectful, and caring and have the confidence to develop to their fullest potential and impact the communities in which they live. They are inspired by the beauty of the landscape at Silver Bay and are better stewards of the environment.

Hudson Headwaters offers a palliative care program which provides supportive services to their patients. Palliative care can benefit anyone with serious chronic illnesses like cancer, emphysema and congestive heart failure. The team helps patients and their families and caregivers in a variety of ways such as: management of symptoms like pain and anxiety, assistance with setting up social services for care in the home, completion of advance care planning like health care proxies and emotional support to help patients and families cope with the stress of serious illness. Palliative care services through Hudson Headwaters are available to patients at Glens Falls Hospital, area nursing homes, and at West Mountain Health Services in Queensbury. In addition, Hudson Headwaters offers a Homeward Bound program which is a home-based primary care program for frail and homebound patients living in the greater Glens Falls area.